Charge-to-mass ratio of electron/proton

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In summary, in this conversation, the e/m ratio of an electron is being calculated using the given values of Helmholtz coil current, magnetic field, accelerating voltage, and beam radius. The equation to calculate the ratio is shown as e/m = 2V / r²B². The ratio can also be derived by equating the magnetic force with the centripetal force. The second part of the conversation discusses the differences between the e/m ratio of an electron and the charge-to-mass ratio of a hydrogen ion, and the possible interpretations of these differences.
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Homework Statement


The Helmholtz coil current = 2.45 A, the magnetic field = 1.91 x 10^(-3) T, the accelerating voltage = 295 V, and the beam radius = .03m.

a) Calculate the e/m ratio of an electron. Show that e/m = 2V / r²B²

b) During the initial use of this experiment, physicists also knew the charge-to-mass ratio of a hydrogen ion, approximately 9.58 x 10^7 Coulombs/kg. If you had little knowledge of atomic structure, what two interpretations could you place on the differences between the two ratios?


Homework Equations


PE = Ve
KE = 1/2mv²
Fmag = evB
Fcent = mv²/r

The Attempt at a Solution


a) Ve = 1/2mv²
v = √(2Ve / m) ; v² = 2Ve/m
Fmag = Fcent
evB = mv²/r
r = mv/Be

I can't seem to get past this part of the derivation. I've tried subbing in √(2Ve / m) into r = mv/Be but it turns out too messy.

b) I'm not too sure about the second part at all.. in what kind of context should I be thinking about the ratios?
 
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In the orbiting stage you have $$evB=\frac{mv^2}{r}\implies v=\frac{eBr}{m}.$$In the accelerating stage you have $$eV=\frac{1}{2}mv^2=\frac{1}{2}m\left( \frac{eBr}{m} \right)^2.$$Can you simplify and solve for ##e/m##?
 

1. What is the charge-to-mass ratio of an electron?

The charge-to-mass ratio of an electron is approximately -1.76 x 10^11 Coulombs per kilogram (C/kg). This value is a fundamental physical constant that describes the strength of the electromagnetic force between an electron and a proton.

2. How was the charge-to-mass ratio of an electron discovered?

The charge-to-mass ratio of an electron was first measured in 1897 by physicist J.J. Thomson through his experiments with cathode ray tubes. He observed the deflection of the electron beam in the presence of an electric and magnetic field, allowing him to calculate the charge-to-mass ratio.

3. Does the charge-to-mass ratio of an electron vary?

No, the charge-to-mass ratio of an electron is considered a constant and does not vary. This value is the same for all electrons, regardless of their location or energy level.

4. What is the significance of the charge-to-mass ratio in particle physics?

The charge-to-mass ratio of an electron is an essential value in particle physics as it helps determine the properties and behavior of subatomic particles. It is also used in various equations, such as the Lorentz force and the mass-energy equivalence equation (E=mc^2).

5. How does the charge-to-mass ratio of a proton compare to that of an electron?

The charge-to-mass ratio of a proton is approximately 9.58 x 10^7 C/kg, which is significantly larger than that of an electron. This difference in values is due to the proton's larger mass compared to the electron.

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